Automobile manufacturer Suzuki has issued a safety recall for nearly 200,000 vehicles manufactured between 2006 and 2011. According to documents filed with the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA), the company received at least 66 reports related to apparently faulty front passenger airbags in Grand Vitara sport utility vehicles and SX4 hatchbacks and sedans between 2007 and 2012. The recall was issued because the weight sensors installed in affected vehicle seat cushions may become disconnected and allow an airbag to deploy when it should be deactivated. As a result, the airbag can deploy in the event of a collision and children or small passengers traveling in the front seat may be placed at risk of severe injury or death.
Last year, Suzuki agreed to extend the airbag sensor warranty in the same vehicles, but did not issue a recall. In June, the NHTSA began an investigation into the matter after the agency reportedly received more than 125 complaints regarding malfunctioning passenger seat airbag warning lights and sensors. As part of the recall, Suzuki dealers will reportedly replace the entire seat in the vehicles. Still, parts are reportedly difficult to obtain since the United States division of Suzuki Motors filed bankruptcy in November 2012. At this time, it is unclear when the recall repairs will begin or be completed.
Unfortunately, some personal injuries are caused by a defective product such as an automobile part. This situation is especially troubling due to the rapid speed and force with which airbags normally deploy. Regrettably, such a defect may result in disabling harm or death for a child or other small passenger.
A defective product is one that harms a person as a result of a negligent design, manufacturing process, or inadequate testing. Additionally, a design defect may cause someone to become injured by a product despite that it was manufactured according to specifications. If you or a treasured family member was injured by a defective or dangerous product, you may be able to collect damages for your harm from the manufacturer or the distributor. A skilled personal injury attorney can explain your rights in more detail.
Do not hesitate to contact the Fine Law Firm if you were hurt or a loved one was killed by a negligently designed or manufactured product anywhere in New Mexico. Our knowledgeable Roswell personal injury lawyers have more than 100 years of combined experience helping the victims of devastating injuries receive the damages they deserve. To schedule a free, confidential case evaluation with a capable advocate, please give the lawyers at the Fine Law Firm a call at (505) 889-3463 or contact us through our website.
More Blog Posts:
Five People Killed in Three Holiday Weekend New Mexico Rollover Accidents Were Not Buckled Up, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, September 10, 2013
Bicycle Rider Killed in Accident with Pick-Up on New Mexico State Road 136 in Santa Teresa, New Mexico Personal Injury Lawyer Blog, August 28, 2013
Additional Resources:
Recall: Suzuki Grand Vitara, SX4 models for faulty airbags, by Exhaust Notes, autos.msn.com